Hershall Creachbaum was only seven years old—nonverbal, physically impaired, and full of light, according to those who loved him. But behind closed doors, his life took a dark turn that shocked an entire community. After being reported missing on July 12, 2025, in Dayton, Ohio, authorities quickly realized something far worse had occurred. Hershall hadn’t been seen in weeks, and within hours, the case evolved from a search into a homicide investigation.

Police discovered human remains near McClure Street—just blocks from where Hershall was last said to be. Though confirmation from the coroner was still pending, officials believed it was the little boy. The investigation led to arrests: Hershall’s mother, Ashley Johnson, was charged with obstruction and failure to report a death, while her boyfriend, Michael Kendrick, faced multiple charges, including gross abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence. His bond was set at $2 million.

Court documents revealed a horrifying timeline. While Johnson was hospitalized in late May, Kendrick admitted to striking Hershall during a drunken argument. The next day, the child died. Instead of seeking help, Kendrick kept the body hidden, first in the home, then in a freezer, and eventually abandoned the remains in a bag. Meanwhile, family members had been trying for months to check on the boy, but were blocked by Johnson, especially after the child’s legal guardian—his paternal grandmother—was injured in a car crash.

Now, the community is in mourning, gathering at a growing memorial with flowers, toys, and signs reading “Justice 4 Hershall.” A petition to paint a public mural in his memory is gaining traction, aiming to honor the boy’s life and raise awareness for children with disabilities. As the investigation continues, his family pleads for accountability and remembrance—not just for the horror he endured, but for the love he deserved.